Damian and I were engaged.


    Even if we show a somewhat intimate disy, it doesnt matter much.


    but no, were not like that.


    Why would you suddenly lift someone up without telling them first?!


    Oh, you were surprised?


    I was surprised and shockedmost of all, embarrassed in front of everyone!


    I narrowed my eyes, looking daggers at Damian.


    For a moment, Damians eyes softened.


    Are you still embarrassed?


    ..huh?


    I was slightly perplexed.


    Those scarlet eyes staring directly at me, somehow.


    I hope youll get used to Lize, even if its embarrassing.


    ..his gaze was like that of a man looking at a woman.


    With a whisper, Damian pulled me close into his arms.


    As he closed the distance between us in an instant, I held my breath.


    Because I want everyone to know clearly.


    K-Know what?


    That..


    An alluring voice tickled my ear.


    That I care so much for my fiancee.


    At the same time, the music came to an end.


    Damian released me from his embrace and gave me a refreshing smile.


    ..really, I shouldnt have liked that.


    I ced my hand on my chest.


    My heart was beating rapidly, testifying to how I felt at the moment.


    I liked him.


    I was still attracted to Damian.


    ****


    After our first dance.


    People began to enjoy the ball party in roughly two ways.


    First, people who came to dance.


    In that case, ady and gent would proceed to the dance floor hand in hand.


    And second, people who aimed to build connections and rtionships with the influential people present.


    These people tried their luck in striking up a conversation with a certain powerful man.


    I think most people went for thetter, didnt they?


    Wow, Damians poprity was no joke.


    I watched wide-eyed, the people flocked to Damian, surrounding him on all sides.


    Without a doubt, Damian is the star of this ball party and a hero, who achieved outstanding aplishments.


    On the other hand, I was amoner and a maid of honor who happened to be the crown princes fiancee.


    *Sigh* Im an outcast. I dont get along with anyone here.


    No one paid any attention to me.


    Well, of course. Why would they?


    Just as I was thinking about that, I saw a familiar face.


    Hey, is that person who I think it is?


    Could it be, Lady Bet?


    Lady Bet was staring at Damian, covering her mouth with her fan.


    Im already starting to feel tired.


    Lady Bet looks great too.


    But no matter how long ago that was, you dont forget someone pouring tea on your head.


    After such a situation, was it even rational for me to catch up with someone like that?


    With that line of thinking, I decided to back away.


    In any case, I want to avoid entanglement with Lady Bet as much as possible.


    Your Highness, the Crown Prince, its an honor to meet you like this.


    Lady Bets characteristically high-pitched voice could be heard.


    I knew that his Highness would return with such a grand achievement.


    Thank you, Lady Bet.


    Damian politely drew the line at their conversation.


    Lady Bets face became creased at this, she was upset he wanted to end it there.


    But then.


    A man interrupted their conversation.


    Your Highness, the Crown Prince, what a pleasure it is to meet you like this.


    Wait. Im talking to his Highness! chastised Lady Bet.


    She stared at the man fiercely.


    But the man scrunched his brow and shot back at Lady Bet.


    What? Did Lady Be monopolize the Crown Prince?


    Well, Im not


    Then please dont be rude.


    Then the man looked back at Damian and smiled as friendly as possible.


    Yourethecleanser of beasts. You are incredible! I mean.


    I watched with enthusiasm as Lady Be was taken down a peg or two and pushed back on her attitude.


    That said, its truly been a while since Ive seen Lady Bet.


    She seemed to be self-conscious for a time because of what happened during the Empresss tea time in the past, though it didntst long.


    Perhaps because of the status she had as the empresss rtive, Lady Bet was inted with self-importance, so much so that she wasnt aware of her hubris.


    However, one thing to note is that she wasnt as active as she was eight years ago.


    First of all, the Bet family was not very powerful.


    Not to mention, the ugly ignominious incident she had with the empress.


    I heard shes been dragging around youngdies with hertely, acting as an empress among them.


    Suddenly.


    Cheers erupted among the crowd.


    Heavens, its Viscountess Antes!


    The peoples gaze turned to the side.


    Siennas here?


    I turned to look as well.


    Sienna looked dumbfounded and was frozen in ce.


    Um, I guess Sienna tried to enter without attracting much attention


    Looking back, Sienna in the original story wasnt ustomed to these kinds ofrge-scale ball parties.


    Sienna smiled shyly, probably because the numerous gazes directed at her were a bit much to handle.


    Ah, I didnt want to interrupt everyone from having a good time.


    Interrupt, how could that ever happen?


    Alongside the Crown Prince, Viscountess Antes is a hero of the empire.


    Come this way, please!


    Sienna was given a hearty and warm reception.


    Well, their attitude was very different towards me, wasnt it?